Nigeria has recorded more than 4,400 school abductions in the past decade, with over N8 billion paid in ransom, as weak local intelligence and poor protection of schools continue to give kidnappers room to strike, a new SBM Intelligence report has shown.
The report points to schools in border communities as facing the highest risk because attackers can cross into neighbouring states and escape before security teams reach the scene. The finding matters because it shows that military gains against armed groups have not ended the danger facing pupils, teachers and school workers.
Also, the report links the latest warning to recent incidents that exposed weak security around schools. It explains that while military operations have reduced the strength of some armed groups, criminal networks are still able to target schools, demand ransom and avoid arrest in several areas. This means communities still face serious threats even where security operations have recorded success.
SBM Intelligence used the recent kidnapping at Government Secondary School in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State to show how attacks on schools continue to expose security gaps. The victims included a school principal, a NECO ad hoc staff member and four students.
The Kogi State Government said security personnel rescued the victims through a coordinated operation without paying ransom. A relative of one of the victims rejected that account and insisted the kidnappers received N1.5 million before the person’s release.
The report also noted that security agencies deployed drones to track the kidnappers. It, however, stated that local informants allegedly warned the criminals, allowing them to escape before security forces could intercept them.
SBM said this pattern shows that intelligence gathered within communities is still weak. It noted that kidnappers are able to depend on local support networks to avoid arrest even after security operations begin.
The report warned that schools close to state borders face extra danger because attackers can quickly leave one state and enter another, making pursuit more difficult.
The findings follow the same report’s assessment that military pressure has weakened terrorist groups in parts of the North East. SBM said precision air strikes and a cholera outbreak severely disrupted ISWAP operations in Borno State, leaving the group struggling to recover.
The intelligence firm, however, warned that success against insurgents does not automatically stop other violent crimes. It said weak governance, poor intelligence at community level and the profitable kidnap-for-ransom business continue to create opportunities for criminal groups.
Its data showing more than 4,400 school abductions over ten years and ransom payments exceeding N8 billion illustrates the scale of the problem facing families and education authorities.
The report also stressed that attacks on schools have effects beyond the victims. Parents may withdraw children from school because of fear, while teachers and education workers face increasing risks in insecure communities. Such attacks also interrupt learning and place additional pressure on local authorities.
Last week, SBM warned that armed groups are changing their methods and shifting into new territories as security operations intensify. It said this pattern has contributed to more kidnapping incidents, cases of mob justice and illegal oil refining in different parts of the country.
The recent findings suggest that reducing the strength of terrorist groups through military action alone will not eliminate insecurity affecting schools. SBM said stronger community intelligence, better coordination between security agencies and improved protection for schools, particularly those in border areas, are necessary to reduce future attacks.